Mark Footitt claimed 10 wickets in a match for the first time, but an unbeaten century from Mark Cosgrove helped Leicestershire recover and set-up an exciting final day at The 3aaa County Ground.
Footitt (3-60) claimed three wickets to go with his 7-71 in the first innings to take ten in a match for the first time. In the process, the left-arm paceman also picked up his 250th first-class wicket for Derbyshire.
Wes Durston (3-81) also claimed three wickets, but Cosgrove (126 not out) shared sizeable partnerships with Aadil Ali (62), Lewis Hill (28) and Ben Raine (27) to help Leicestershire closed on 307-7, with a lead of 284 runs.
This after Ben Cotton had earlier struck a career-best 43, as part of a 65-run stand with Tom Milnes (23) as the hosts were bowled out for 352.
Ollie Freckingham removed Tom Taylor (3) early on Day Three but Derbyshire passed 300 thanks to the valuable stand between Cotton and Tom Milnes.
The pair took Derbyshire past Leicestershire’s first-innings total of 329 with a brisk fifty partnership before Dan Redfern had Milnes caught behind and Rob Taylor bowled Cotton for 43 to dismiss Derbyshire for 352.
Cotton then clean bowled Ned Eckersley at the start of the Leicestershire reply just before lunch. Footitt dismissed Redfern and Angus Robson, his 250th first-class wicket for Derbyshire, shortly after the interval to leave Leicestershire 55-3 in their second innings.
14.2: #WICKET! @footitt_mark has his 250th first-class wicket for #DCCC! Robson caught behind for 24. 55-3 #DERvLEI pic.twitter.com/pGB6inE6A0
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) September 24, 2015
But the visitors fought back as Cosgrove and Ali both passed fifty in a third-wicket stand of 144, prior to Durston trapping the latter lbw for 62 with the last ball before tea.
Footitt grabbed his tenth wicket of the match by having Niall O’Brien lbw without scoring after tea, but Cosgrove remained undeterred as he reached three-figures for the fourth time this season.
Durston removed both Hill and Raine to take his wicket tally to three for the innings, after the pair had both put on useful partnerships with Cosgrove.
The Leicestershire Captain was still there at stumps as he ended the day unbeaten on 126 with Leicestershire closing on 307-7; leading by 284 runs.
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The final day of the season begins at 10.30am tomorrow morning at The 3aaa County Ground and supporters can purchase tickets on the gate.
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